India Heatwave Scorches The Country, Casualties Shoot Up

By Ranjan BhaduriNew Delhi, India, June 1, (THAINDIAN NEWS) An extreme heat wave that is scorching northern India in recent times is taking its toll on the residents and the casualties are increasing each day. In some places in North India the temperature is shooting up to 50 degrees Celsius. The heat has caused 300 deaths so far. The weather experts have said that this heat wave is likely to continue for some more time. Even the states in West part of India like Gujarat and Maharashtra are suffering from this killer heat wave. The surprising thing is that a place like Simla, known for its cool climate, is also feeling the heat and the maximum temperature there has reached an abysmal 32.4 degree Celsius.

It is not only the residents of the North Indian states who are suffering in this heat. The livestock and animals are also at the receiving end. Owing to the soaring temperature in these places a lot of lakes and rivers have dried up, making drinking water inaccessible to many. The highest temperature may touch an alarming 50 degree Celsius mark according to the experts. A lot of birds are also dying because of dehydration. The farmers are desperately praying for rain not only for relief but also for the sake of the crop.

The north Indian states will witness the monsoon only by the end of this month and this makes the wait for the rain even more agonizing. The capital of India has witnessed some scattered incidents of rainfall and storms bringing some relief. The usage of ACs and coolers has also added to power cut in some places.